In the streets of Algiers, Oran and Constantine, a quiet change is taking place in 2026.
Chinese electric trucks, particularly Changan Kuayue models, are no longer rare sights. They are becoming an increasingly common part of daily city logistics — not through loud government campaigns or big company announcements, but through practical, day-to-day decisions by small and medium fleet owners.
One year ago, most Algerian logistics companies still relied heavily on diesel vans. Today, more and more operators are adding Kuayue Leopard T3 EV and Star V7 models to their fleets. The shift is gradual, but its impact is already visible.
A Practical Response to Local Realities
Algerian cities face the same pressures as many growing economies: rising fuel costs, heavier traffic, stricter environmental rules in urban areas, and the need for more frequent deliveries. In this environment, fleet owners are looking for vehicles that are affordable to buy, cheap to run, and reliable in harsh conditions.
“We didn’t choose electric because it was trendy,” said one fleet owner in Oran who now runs 12 Kuayue EVs. “We chose it because the numbers made sense for our business.”
What Fleet Owners Are Seeing on the Streets
The most immediate difference is operational flexibility. Electric trucks can enter restricted zones and operate during early morning hours when diesel vehicles sometimes face limitations. Delivery windows have expanded for many companies.
Drivers also report less fatigue. “The cabin is quieter, there’s no constant engine vibration,” said a driver in Constantine. “At the end of the day I feel better.”
The Economic Reality Behind the Shift
For small and medium importers, the price difference is hard to ignore. A comparable European electric van can cost 40–60% more than a Kuayue model. When combined with lower energy costs and more stable running expenses, the total cost of ownership becomes much more attractive.
Several fleet owners mentioned that predictable electricity costs help them plan monthly budgets far better than fluctuating diesel prices.
Challenges That Remain
The transition is not without difficulties. Charging infrastructure is still developing, especially outside major cities. Summer heat continues to reduce range, and some longer routes still require careful planning.
Those who succeeded usually started small — testing 4 to 6 vans first — before scaling up. They also invested early in chargers, driver training, and basic spare parts.
A Gradual but Real Change
This is not a sudden revolution that replaces all diesel trucks overnight. It is a practical, bottom-up shift driven by small and medium businesses looking for better tools to do their daily work.
In 2026, Chinese EV trucks have moved from being an experiment to becoming a mainstream option for city logistics in Algeria.
Are you seeing more electric delivery trucks in your city?
Tell us about your operations — we’re happy to share what other Algerian companies are experiencing.
